Approval of Metro fare increase expected

The transit agency’s board of directors is expected to give final approval Thursday to the first fare increase on the system in two years.

Under the proposal, the average rail fare would go up about 5 percent, while parking fees would increase by a quarter. Bus fares would go up a dime for those using SmarTrip cards, and those paying cash will owe a 20-cent surcharge.

The maximum peak rail fare would go from $5 to $5.75.

Metro says the extra revenue is needed to close a nearly $100 million budget gap for the next fiscal year.